Facing mounting speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, the Congress high command has put all rumours to rest, firmly ruling out any move to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, at least for now. The clarification came from senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, who is also the party’s Karnataka in-charge, and was dispatched to Bengaluru by the Congress high command to address the growing unease and internal rumblings within the state unit.
Addressing the media, Surjewala made it clear that there is “no plan for leadership change” in Karnataka. His statement comes on the back of several days of political buzz around internal factionalism within the ruling Congress, with sections of the leadership allegedly pushing for a reshuffle at the top. The high command’s strong public statement appears intended to send a firm message — to end uncertainty and reinforce stability within the Karnataka government.
Clarifying the objective of his visit, Surjewala explained that his presence in Bengaluru was strictly to review the party’s organisational performance and the delivery of governance — not to discuss leadership change. “We are asking them — what work has been done? What’s the status of party meetings? Are any organisational changes needed? Do MLAs have any difficulties or aspirations?” he said, elaborating on the focus of his conversations with party leaders.
He further stressed that the review also involves evaluating the progress and implementation of the government’s key welfare programmes. “We are asking about the guarantees — what has been delivered and how those guarantees are faring. The government belongs to the organisation and the people,” he added, highlighting the party’s focus on accountability and governance.
Issuing a categorical denial of the leadership speculation, Surjewala said firmly, “There has been no discussion on leadership change. No opinions are being sought on this either.”
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, too, denied any talk of leadership change, stating, “There is no leadership change. I don’t want anyone to come out and express support for me.” Emphasizing his focus on governance, he added, “It is our bounden duty to stand by the common man and deliver on our promises.”
Taking strong exception to public statements made by some party MLAs, Shivakumar said he would issue a notice to Iqbal Hussain for his remarks. Sending a clear message to the party’s ranks, he warned,
“Whether it is HC Balakrishna or BR Patil, nobody should go in front of the media henceforth.”
Earlier, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed that nearly 100 MLAs are in support of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He asserted that Shivakumar deserves an opportunity to lead, highlighting the Deputy CM’s tireless efforts for the party and his significant role in strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level.
Iqbal Hussain further said that he intends to formally raise this demand during the meeting with AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala to review the political situation and organisational affairs of the Karnataka Congress.
